Dr. Nazila Bidabadi is the Chief Cosmetic Dentist at Soft Touch Dentistry and a clinical instructor at Harvard University’s School of Dental Medicine. She and the rest of our team have helped many athletes of all ages protect their teeth with custom mouthguards and preventive exams.
Common Injuries During Sports
According to the American Dental Association, athletes are 60 times more likely to experience dental trauma when not wearing a mouthguard.
Chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, lip injuries, and jaw trauma are all common in contact sports like football, basketball, hockey, and soccer. Even non-contact sports like gymnastics, skateboarding, and cycling carry some risk for facial injury.Â
Preventing Tooth and Mouth Injuries
One of the smartest ways to protect teeth during sports is to wear a mouthguard. The boil-and-bite versions you find at the store are better than nothing, but they can feel bulky or slip around.
A custom mouthguard from your dentist is a whole different experience. It’s shaped to fit your bite exactly, so it stays put. That means you can breathe, talk, and stay in the game without thinking twice about it.
Some other things you can do to protect your teeth include:Â
- Wearing a helmet during contact or high-risk sports to shield your head and mouth from impact
- Skipping chewy or sticky snacks before practice, especially if you’re wearing a mouthguard or braces
- Keeping your sports gear clean to reduce the chances of bacteria spreading to your mouth and gums
- Using extra protection if you wear braces, since brackets and wires can cause cuts or irritation during a collision
Sports Safety Starts With a Healthy Mouth
It’s a good idea to get a dental checkup to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy before sports season ramps up. At Soft Touch Dentistry, our experienced dental team can help you stay active while still protecting your smile.Â
To schedule an appointment, call our Brighton office at 617-782-9250 or our Newton office at 617-332-8146.